The partnership is designed to enable content providers across the region to outsource their distribution of video, pictures, music, games, downloads and multimedia applications over the internet. Enterprises and media businesses in the region will benefit from access to content delivery across the world by tapping into Tata’s global network through the local CDN node.
Dr Homoud Alkussayer, STC’s VP for wholesale, said the partnership with Tata complements STC’s extensive submarine cable systems and business relationships in the MENA region.
“This agreement will enable us to stimulate the regional market further, through the provision of high-quality CDN services that are underpinned by both STC and Tata’s extensive global infrastructure and reliable and diverse connectivity across the world,” he explained.
There has been a significant increase in broadband subscriber numbers across the Middle East over the last five years, and the partnership further signifies the high adoption rate of 3G/4G-enabled smart devices. STC said it has seen a 200% rise in mobile penetration across Saudi Arabia over the period, which is fuelling increasing demand for local and global content over the internet.
“Consumption of global content in the Middle East is increasing at a rapid rate,” said Radwan Moussalli, MD and regional head, Middle East and North Africa at Tata. “Our partnership with STC offers significant improvement and exceptional service for consumers and content owners alike in the region, while simultaneously offering immediate access to a global audience.”
Both operators added that the partnership was designed to open up new opportunities for Middle Eastern companies, in ensuring that they can reach consumers quickly and gain access to the best quality of content available.
The partnership will further provide content providers with access to Tata’s Video Connect, global live streaming and video-on-demand delivery services, in addition to managed hosting and managed security capabilities.
Capacity will be holding a Smart Media event as part of Capacity Middle East 2014 tomorrow, focussing on content delivery and monetisation across the entire ecosystem.
